Making 3D technology universal

Proponents have long touted the impending popularity of 3D technology on the Web. The Intel-led 3DIF developed the universal 3D file-format specification as a way to make CAD data usable on multiple platforms. The 3DIF is a cross-industry group of about 40 developers and corporate users of 3D graphics technology. Proponents hope U3D will let developers incorporate 3D CAD data into various applications, such as Web browsers, thereby making 3D use more widespread. This would also increase demand for 3D development tools and faster CPUs and graphics chips. Intel and the 3DIF are working with Ecma International, an industry-based standards-development organization. They ultimately hope to make U3D an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standard.